32 Comments
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Melissa Killian's avatar

This story sounds super interesting! My current novel is single POV but has a lot of secondary characters so I think I can ask them similar questions.

Sarah Aronson's avatar

Yes!!! Absolutely!!!

Kellye Crocker's avatar

Big congrats on your debut, Sharon! It sounds amazing! (Although I can't imagine juggling so many POVs. I love how you shared why they were necessary.) And, as others here have said, I'm so intrigued by the idea of a ghost who ages and grows! I'm also really drawn to what you said about the twins having the same experiences but perceiving them differently. That's so powerful and much needed. I'm starting a new project (single POV, at least for now!) and was thinking that maybe I need to interview my MC...and then here you are writing about interviewing yours! I love how this community works!

Sharon Baker's avatar

There’s good book karma here, Kellye! I think it’s Sarah’s magic touch tbh. I’m glad if anything I wrote was helpful and wish you the best on your new project.

Kellye Crocker's avatar

Thank you, Sharon! Sarah definitely has the magic touch! Loved reading your guest post! (And a confession/announcement?? I read LOTS of substances, and this is the first time I've commented! :D )

Sarah Aronson's avatar

Were your ears ringing? I'm sitting at the library next to Jean Reidy. She says hi. :-)

Kate Ross's avatar

Last Days in Moav sounds incredibly interesting. I, too, am writing from multiple (4) perspectives, finding the seeing/experiencing the same event from multiple POVs absolutely intriguing. I love reading stories like this. With my own story, it has always felt like it was the way to go, but I was taken down different paths a couple of times. I'm returning to what felt right from the get-go. It's tricky, yet fun and I'm up for the challenge. Thanks for sharing!

Sarah Aronson's avatar

For me, the trick has been exactly what Sharon talks about: when I know the different characters, I hear their voices. (Dialogue is an art for the ear!!!!)

Sharon Baker's avatar

Hi Kate! Fun to find another quadruple narrator writer! Best of luck on your novel-I hope to see it in bookstores someday.

Ren Hanami's avatar

I found what Sharon said very inspiring. I am writing my current novel in 3rd person, but was just wondering today if one of my supporting characters should be the narrator or if I should go to first person?

Sharon Baker's avatar

Ren, thanks for your kind words! As for your manuscript, might it help to write a scene or chapter in 1st person or from the pov of one of your supporting characters? Even if you opt to stay with your current narrative choice, you might learn alot by trying it out.

Sarah Aronson's avatar

Let's discuss!!!!!!

Barbara Kimmel's avatar

Congratulations! Your debut sounds amazing. And thanks so much for sharing your character journey. I am working on two characters right now who are sounding way too similar. I am excited to dig deeper with interviews! Thanks.

Sarah Aronson's avatar

Barbara, when I read this novel, I couldn't imagine it without all three POVs. They add to the story. They never pulled me out. It's a wonderful story.

Sharon Baker's avatar

Thanks so much, Barbara! Glad the post was helpful to you and best of luck with your project.

Brittany Drehobl's avatar

Talk about an instant addition to my TBR pile- I am currently working on what I hope will be my debut novel and it has -wait for it- five POVs. I started working on it knowing it would be a huge task, especially as a first project, and this insight into a similar craft point was so helpful. I can't wait to read Last Days of Moav! (and maybe take a vacation to work out my own POV struggles lol)

Sarah Aronson's avatar

We need a support group! (I have three main POVs, plus a few characters that pop in and out.) But here's what I want to say about Sharon's novel: Netanel grabbed me from page one. I couldn't imagine this book without him. THAT is the bar I am holding my characters to.

Brittany Drehobl's avatar

I've been devouring multiple POV books to research and I didn't think I could BE more excited for one! Also, I will happily be a founding member of the Multiple POVs WIP Support Group. First action: workshopping the group name lol

Sharon Baker's avatar

I’m so glad it was helpful, Brittany! And I look forward to reading your novel someday.

Brittany Drehobl's avatar

That means so much to me, thank you <3

Part-Time Sunshine's avatar

Hi Sharon,

Congratulations on your debut novel. Thank you for sharing the journey you went on to connect with your characters. I'm fascinated by the ghost that I'm certain added the extra layer your muse called for. I'm considering having a ghost dog as a secondary character in my story. I look forward to reading your novel.

Sarah,

Thanks for the reminder that we need to talk to our characters who know what we might not.

Sarah Aronson's avatar

A ghost dog? Cool!

Sharon's novel will be a mentor text for anyone debating POV. They all add to the whole. When you finish the book, you'll be totally satisfied.

Sharon Baker's avatar

Ty! And—a ghost dog!! Love that.

Reni Macarelli's avatar

Hi Sharon,

Thanks for sharing and congratulations! Choosing growth for the ghost beyond the age he was at the time of death is such an interesting concept I'd never thought of. I love it! I'm looking forward to reading your book.

Sharon Baker's avatar

Hi Reni and thanks so much!

Debbie Moeller's avatar

What an interesting format! The story sounds fascinating. Thanks for sharing, and congratulations on your novel.

Sharon Baker's avatar

Thank you, Debbie!

Angie Gascho's avatar

Sharon,

Thank you for sharing the journey you had here -- I am in the midst of a similar journey on one of my WIPs (and headed on vacation today --- ironically). But I really appreciate the wisdom here!

Sarah,

Thanks for this!! I have gone down the rabbit hole on the ghosts, and it has been a joy! My middle school girls -- well, I think a moment like Sharon's might be on the horizon. 🤣

Sharon Baker's avatar

Glad it was helpful, Angie. Vacations are so good for your writing, even if you don’t have any big breakthroughs! I hope yours is wonderful and you come back to the page refreshed.

Rondi Frieder's avatar

Fabulous guest post! I’m looking forward to reading Sharon’s book and… interviewing a few of my new’ish secondary characters!

Sarah Aronson's avatar

Get to know them!!!!! They will provide!!!!!! xoxox

Sharon Baker's avatar

Thanks, Rondi! And good luck with those interviews:)